1
|
Jia Y, Du X, Wang Y, Song Q, He L. Sex differences in luteinizing hormone aggravates Aβ deposition in APP/PS1 and Aβ 1-42-induced mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 970:176485. [PMID: 38492878 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibits a higher incidence rate among older women, and dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis during aging is associated with cognitive impairments and the development of dementia. luteinizing hormone (LH) has an important role in CNS function, such as mediating neuronal pregnenolone production, and modulating neuronal plasticity and cognition. The sex differences in LH and its impact on Aβ deposition in AD individuals remain unclear, with no reported specific mechanisms. Here, we show through data mining that LH-related pathways are significantly enriched in female AD patients. Additionally, LH levels are elevated in female AD patients and exhibit a negative correlation with cognitive levels but a positive correlation with AD pathology levels, and females exhibit a greater extent of AD pathology, such as Aβ deposition. In vivo, we observed that the exogenous injection of LH exacerbated behavioral impairments induced by Aβ1-42 in mice. LH injection resulted in worsened neuronal damage and increased Aβ deposition. In SH-SY5Y cells, co-administration of LH with Aβ further exacerbated Aβ-induced neuronal damage. Furthermore, LH can dose-dependently decrease the levels of NEP and LHR proteins while increasing the expression of GFAP and IBA1 in vivo and in vitro. Taken together, these results indicate that LH can exacerbate cognitive impairment and neuronal damage in mice by increasing Aβ deposition. The potential mechanism may involve the reduction of NEP and LHR expression, along with the exacerbation of Aβ-induced inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongming Jia
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xinzhe Du
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qinghua Song
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ling He
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ofori E, Solis A, Punjani N. The Association among Hypothalamic Subnits, Gonadotropic and Sex Hormone Plasmas Levels in Alzheimer's Disease. Brain Sci 2024; 14:276. [PMID: 38539664 PMCID: PMC10968390 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14030276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the sex-specific role of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal axis in Alzheimer's disease progression, utilizing ADNI1 data for 493 individuals, analyzing plasma levels of gonadotropic and sex hormones, and examining neurodegeneration-related brain structures. We assessed plasma levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone (P4), and testosterone (T), along with volumetric measures of the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and hypothalamic subunits, to explore their correlation with Alzheimer's disease markers across different cognitive statuses and sexes. Significant cognitive status effects were observed for all volumetric measures, with a distinct sex-by-cognitive status interaction for hypothalamic volume, indicating a decrease in males but not in females across cognitive impairment stages. Regression analyses showed specific hypothalamic subunit volume related to hormone levels, accounting for up to approximately 40% of the variance (p < 0.05). The findings highlight sex differences in neurodegeneration and hormonal regulation, suggesting potential for personalized treatments and advancing the understanding of Alzheimer's disease etiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward Ofori
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Anamaria Solis
- Department of Social Work, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA;
| | - Nahid Punjani
- College of Medicine and Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Johnson CE, Duncan MJ, Murphy MP. Sex and Sleep Disruption as Contributing Factors in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:31-74. [PMID: 38007653 PMCID: PMC10842753 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects more women than men, with women throughout the menopausal transition potentially being the most under researched and at-risk group. Sleep disruptions, which are an established risk factor for AD, increase in prevalence with normal aging and are exacerbated in women during menopause. Sex differences showing more disrupted sleep patterns and increased AD pathology in women and female animal models have been established in literature, with much emphasis placed on loss of circulating gonadal hormones with age. Interestingly, increases in gonadotropins such as follicle stimulating hormone are emerging to be a major contributor to AD pathogenesis and may also play a role in sleep disruption, perhaps in combination with other lesser studied hormones. Several sleep influencing regions of the brain appear to be affected early in AD progression and some may exhibit sexual dimorphisms that may contribute to increased sleep disruptions in women with age. Additionally, some of the most common sleep disorders, as well as multiple health conditions that impair sleep quality, are more prevalent and more severe in women. These conditions are often comorbid with AD and have bi-directional relationships that contribute synergistically to cognitive decline and neuropathology. The association during aging of increased sleep disruption and sleep disorders, dramatic hormonal changes during and after menopause, and increased AD pathology may be interacting and contributing factors that lead to the increased number of women living with AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carrie E. Johnson
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Marilyn J. Duncan
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - M. Paul Murphy
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Lexington, KY, USA
- University of Kentucky, Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, Lexington, KY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhu Q, Ping P, Zhang P, Ning C, Zhao Y, Yao Y, Li X, Fu S. Sex hormones and physical function among the Chinese oldest-old and centenarian women. J Transl Med 2022; 20:340. [PMID: 35902963 PMCID: PMC9331572 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03539-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Physical independence is crucial for overall health in the elderly individuals. The life expectancy of women has been shown to be higher than that of men, which is also known as the “male–female health-survival paradox”. Sex hormones may be one of the explanations. However, the relationships between sex hormones and physical function remain unclear in the elderly females. This study was designed to explore these relationships among the Chinese oldest-old and centenarian women. Methods Data from 1226 women were obtained from the China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study. Home interviews, physical examinations and blood analyses were conducted using standardized procedures. Variables including age, Han ethnicity, illiteracy, smoker, drinker, estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone were used in the multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses. Results In all the participants, age [beta (95% confidence interval): − 0.84 (− 0.98, − 0.71)] and E2 levels [beta (95% confidence interval): − 0.22 (− 0.28, − 0.17)] were negatively associated with activities of daily living (ADLs) in the multivariate linear regression analyses (P < 0.05 for all). We also observed significantly negative associations of age [odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.90 (0.88, 0.91)] and E2 levels [odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.98 (0.98, 0.99)] with physical normality in the multivariate logistic regression analyses (P < 0.05 for all). Age and E2 levels gradually decreased with increases in the ADL quartiles across all the participants (P < 0.05 for all). Conclusions This study demonstrated that E2 levels were negatively associated with physical function among the Chinese oldest-old and centenarian women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Zhu
- Central Laboratory, Hainan Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Sanya, China
| | - Ping Ping
- Main Station of Drug Instrument Supervision and Inspection, Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Chaoxue Ning
- Central Laboratory, Hainan Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Sanya, China
| | - Yali Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Hainan Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Sanya, China.
| | - Yao Yao
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development and Geriatrics Division, Medical School of Duke University, Durham, NC, USA. .,Center for Healthy Aging and Development Studies, National School of Development, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiubing Li
- Department of Urology Medicine, The Third Medical Centre of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Shihui Fu
- Department of Cardiology, Hainan Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Sanya, China. .,Department of Geriatric Cardiology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang Z, Wu W, Kim MS, Cai D. GnRH pulse frequency and irregularity play a role in male aging. NATURE AGING 2021; 1:904-918. [PMID: 37118330 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-021-00116-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) has a role in hypothalamic control of aging, but the underlying patterns and relationship with downstream reproductive hormones are still unclear. Here we report that hypothalamic GnRH pulse frequency and irregularity increase before GnRH pulse amplitude slowly decreases during aging. GnRH is inhibited by nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and GnRH pulses were controlled by oscillations in the transcriptional activity of NF-κB. Exposure to testosterone under pro-inflammatory conditions stimulated both NF-κB oscillations and GnRH pulses. While castration of middle-aged mice induced short-term anti-aging effects, preventing elevation of luteinizing hormone (LH) levels after castration led to long-term anti-aging effects and lifespan extension, indicating that high-frequency GnRH pulses and high-magnitude LH levels coordinately mediate aging. Reprogramming the endogenous GnRH pulses of middle-aged male mice via an optogenetic approach revealed that increasing GnRH pulses frequency causes LH excess and aging acceleration, while lowering the frequency of and stabilizing GnRH pulses can slow down aging. In conclusion, GnRH pulses are important for aging in male mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhouguang Wang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Wenhe Wu
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Min Soo Kim
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Dongsheng Cai
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gurvich C, Le J, Thomas N, Thomas EHX, Kulkarni J. Sex hormones and cognition in aging. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2021; 115:511-533. [PMID: 33706960 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2020.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis that regulate reproductive function are also potent neurosteriods that have multiple effects on the development, maintenance and function of the brain. There is a growing body of evidence linking sex hormones to cognitive functioning across the lifespan. Both subjective and objective cognitive changes can occur with aging. For women, cognitive complains are commonly associated with the menopause transition-a time of significant hormone flux. Sex differences in neurodegenerative conditions associated with cognitive dysfunction, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, suggest a potential link between sex hormones and cognitive decline. Evidence for the effects of hormone therapy on cognition is growing, but remains inconclusive. This chapter provides an overview of sex hormones and cognition in association with healthy aging, including a focus on the menopause transition, as well as reviewing findings linking sex hormones to cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. An overview of hormone therapy and cognition is also provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Gurvich
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University Central Clinical School and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Jessica Le
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University Central Clinical School and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Natalie Thomas
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University Central Clinical School and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Elizabeth H X Thomas
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University Central Clinical School and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jayashri Kulkarni
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University Central Clinical School and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mey M, Bhatta S, Casadesus G. Luteinizing hormone and the aging brain. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2021; 115:89-104. [PMID: 33706966 PMCID: PMC9853463 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Fluctuations in luteinizing hormone (LH) release contribute to the development and maintenance of the reproductive system and become dysregulated during aging. Of note, increasing evidence supports extra-gonadal roles for LH within the CNS, particularly as it relates to cognition and plasticity in aging and age-related degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, despite increasing evidence that supports a link between this hormone and CNS function, the mechanisms underlying LH action within the brain and how they influence cognition and plasticity during the lifespan is poorly understood and, in fact, often in conflict. This chapter aims to provide an up-to-date review of the literature addressing the role of LH signaling in the context of CNS aging and disease and put forward a unifying hypothesis that may explain currently conflicting theories regarding the role of LHCGR signaling in CNS function and dysfunction in aging and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Mey
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kent State University, Cunningham Hall, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Sabina Bhatta
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kent State University, Cunningham Hall, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Gemma Casadesus
- Department of Biological Science, School of Arts and Sciences, Kent State University, Cunningham Hall, Kent, OH, United States,Corresponding author: ;
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li Y, Li S, Xu S, Yu H, Tang L, Liu X, Wang X, Zhang Y, Zhang K, Mi S, Chen M, Cui H. Association of Androgens and Gonadotropins with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Probable Alzheimer’s Disease in Chinese Elderly Men. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 78:277-290. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-200233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Age-related hormone changes play important roles in cognitive decline in older men, and apolipoprotein E ɛ4 (APOE ɛ4) is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Objective: This study aimed to investigate the interactive role of androgen decline and APOE ɛ4 genotype in the pathogenesis of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and AD. Methods: In total, 576 elderly men over 65 years old from communities in Shijiazhuang were enrolled in this study, including 243 with normal cognition (NC), 271 with aMCI, and 62 with probable AD. Cognitive function was evaluated with a battery of neuropsychological tests. The serum levels of androgen and gonadotropin were detected by ELISA and chemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: The levels of free testosterone (FT) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were lower in the aMCI group (p < 0.05), and even lower in the AD group (p < 0.001), but the levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were higher in AD group (p < 0.01), comparing with that in NC or aMCI group. The interaction of lower FT or DHT levels with APOE ɛ4 had a risk role in global cognitive impairment (p < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC curve for predicting aMCI by serum FT levels was 0.745. Conclusion: These results indicated that the interaction of androgen decline and APOE ɛ4 genotype play a role in aMCI and AD. Serum FT levels have a predictive value for aMCI and might be a potential biomarker for prodromal AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
- Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
- College of Nursing, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Sha Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
- Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Shunjiang Xu
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Hong Yu
- College of Nursing, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Longmei Tang
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyun Liu
- Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Xuemei Wang
- College of Nursing, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- College of Nursing, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Kaixia Zhang
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Shixiong Mi
- Department of Human Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
- Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Meiqin Chen
- Department of Human Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
- Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Huixian Cui
- Department of Human Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
- Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kling JM, Miller VM, Tosakulwong N, Lesnick T, Kantarci K. Associations of pituitary-ovarian hormones and white matter hyperintensities in recently menopausal women using hormone therapy. Menopause 2020; 27:872-878. [PMID: 32520900 PMCID: PMC7678409 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Little is known about how menopausal hormone treatment (HT) may influence the development of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in the brain. This study evaluated the associations of changes in levels of pituitary-ovarian hormones during HT and changes in WMH. METHODS Women (n = 78 adherent to treatment) enrolled in the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging, and blood collection before and after 48 months of randomization to 0.45 mg/d oral conjugated equine estrogen (oCEE) daily, 50 μg/d transdermal 17β estradiol (tE2), or placebo pills and patches. Women in the active treatment groups also received oral 200 mg/d micronized progesterone the first 12 days of the month. Estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured in serum by high sensitivity liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry at baseline and following 48 months of HT. Longitudinal change in WMH volume was determined from fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging using a semiautomated image segmentation algorithm. RESULTS Serum levels of FSH, LH, E1, or E2 did not associate with WMH volume at baseline. After 48 months of treatment, smaller increases in WMH associated with decreases in FSH from baseline in the tE2 group and increases in E1 in both tE2 and oCEE groups. Changes in LH did not associate with changes in WMH in any group. CONCLUSIONS Circulating levels of pituitary-ovarian hormones associate with changes in WMH volume in recently menopausal women using HT. Whether these relationships would be influenced by different doses of tE2 or oCEE remains to be determined. : Video Summary:http://links.lww.com/MENO/A590.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana M Kling
- Division of Women's Health Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, 13737 North 92nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
| | - Virginia M Miller
- Departments of Surgery and Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Timothy Lesnick
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Epelbaum J, Terrien J. Mini-review: Aging of the neuroendocrine system: Insights from nonhuman primate models. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 100:109854. [PMID: 31891735 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The neuroendocrine system (NES) plays a crucial role in synchronizing the physiology and behavior of the whole organism in response to environmental constraints. The NES consists of a hypothalamic-pituitary-target organ axis that acts in coordination to regulate growth, reproduction, stress and basal metabolism. The growth (or somatotropic), hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axes are therefore finely tuned by the hypothalamus through the successive release of hypothalamic and pituitary hormones to control the downstream physiological functions. These functions rely on a complex set of mechanisms requiring tight synchronization between peripheral organs and the hypothalamic-pituitary complex, whose functionality can be altered during aging. Here, we review the results of research on the effects of aging on the NES of nonhuman primate (NHP) species in wild and captive conditions. A focus on the age-related dysregulation of the master circadian pacemaker, which, in turn, alters the synchronization of the NES with the organism environment, is proposed. Finally, practical and ethical considerations of using NHP models to test the effects of nutrition-based or hormonal treatments to combat the deterioration of the NES are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Epelbaum
- UMR CNRS/MNHN 7179, Mécanismes Adaptatifs et Evolution, 1 Avenue du Petit Château, 91800 Brunoy, France; Unité Mixte de Recherche en Santé 894 INSERM, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Jérémy Terrien
- UMR CNRS/MNHN 7179, Mécanismes Adaptatifs et Evolution, 1 Avenue du Petit Château, 91800 Brunoy, France.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Effects of Testosterone Supplementation on Separate Cognitive Domains in Cognitively Healthy Older Men: A Meta-analysis of Current Randomized Clinical Trials. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2019; 27:1232-1246. [PMID: 31296441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing body of literature suggests a positive, neuroprotective effect for testosterone on cognition in older men. However, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) examining the effects of testosterone supplementation (TS) on cognitive function have been inconclusive. OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential for TS to prevent cognitive decline in otherwise cognitively healthy older men, by examining the differential effects of TS on cognitively healthy older men in RCTs. METHODS Comprehensive search of electronic databases, conference proceedings, and grey literature from 1990 to 2018 was performed to identify RCTs examining the effects of TS on cognition before and after supplementation, in cognitively healthy individuals. RESULTS A final sample of 14 eligible RCTs met inclusion criteria. Using pooled random effects expressed as Hedge's g, comparison of placebo versus treatment groups pre- and postsupplementation showed improvements in the treatment group in executive function (g (11) = 0.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03-0.26, z = 0.56, p = 0.011). However, it was noted that two studies in our sample did not report a significant increase in mean serum total testosterone (TT) levels in the treatment group after supplementation. Following exclusion of these studies, analysis indicated improvement in the treatment group for the overall cognitive composite (g (11) = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.02-0.33, z = 2.18), psychomotor speed (g (3) = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.01-0.43, z = 2.07) and executive function (g (9) = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.03-0.28, z = 2.35). No significant differences were noted for the global cognition, attention, verbal memory, visuospatial ability or visuospatial memory domains. CONCLUSION Overall, our findings support the potential for TS as a preventative measure against cognitive decline, although the effect sizes were small. These findings warrant further observational studies and clinical trials of good methodological quality, to elucidate the effect of TS on cognition.
Collapse
|
12
|
Gurvich C, Hoy K, Thomas N, Kulkarni J. Sex Differences and the Influence of Sex Hormones on Cognition through Adulthood and the Aging Process. Brain Sci 2018; 8:brainsci8090163. [PMID: 30154388 PMCID: PMC6162653 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci8090163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis that regulate reproductive function have multiple effects on the development, maintenance and function of the brain. Sex differences in cognitive functioning have been reported in both health and disease, which may be partly attributed to sex hormones. The aim of the current paper was to provide a theoretical review of how sex hormones influence cognitive functioning across the lifespan as well as provide an overview of the literature on sex differences and the role of sex hormones in cognitive decline, specifically in relation to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A summary of current hormone and sex-based interventions for enhancing cognitive functioning and/or reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease is also provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Gurvich
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Central Clinical School, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - Kate Hoy
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Central Clinical School, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - Natalie Thomas
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Central Clinical School, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - Jayashri Kulkarni
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Central Clinical School, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bhatta S, Blair JA, Casadesus G. Luteinizing Hormone Involvement in Aging Female Cognition: Not All Is Estrogen Loss. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:544. [PMID: 30319538 PMCID: PMC6165885 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pervasive age-related dysfunction in hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is associated with cognitive impairments in aging as well as pathogenesis of age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as the Alzheimer's disease (AD). As a major regulator of the HPG axis, the steroid hormone estrogen has been widely studied for its role in regulation of memory. Although estrogen modulates both cognition as well as cognition associated morphological components in a healthy state, the benefits of estrogen replacement therapy on cognition and disease seem to diminish with advancing age. Emerging data suggests an important role for luteinizing hormone (LH) in CNS function, which is another component of the HPG axis that becomes dysregulated during aging, particularly in menopause. The goal of this review is to highlight the current existing literature on LH and provide new insights on possible mechanisms of its action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Bhatta
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Jeffrey A. Blair
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Gemma Casadesus
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Gemma Casadesus
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Martins RN, Villemagne V, Sohrabi HR, Chatterjee P, Shah TM, Verdile G, Fraser P, Taddei K, Gupta VB, Rainey-Smith SR, Hone E, Pedrini S, Lim WL, Martins I, Frost S, Gupta S, O’Bryant S, Rembach A, Ames D, Ellis K, Fuller SJ, Brown B, Gardener SL, Fernando B, Bharadwaj P, Burnham S, Laws SM, Barron AM, Goozee K, Wahjoepramono EJ, Asih PR, Doecke JD, Salvado O, Bush AI, Rowe CC, Gandy SE, Masters CL. Alzheimer's Disease: A Journey from Amyloid Peptides and Oxidative Stress, to Biomarker Technologies and Disease Prevention Strategies-Gains from AIBL and DIAN Cohort Studies. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 62:965-992. [PMID: 29562546 PMCID: PMC5870031 DOI: 10.3233/jad-171145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide there are over 46 million people living with dementia, and this number is expected to double every 20 years reaching about 131 million by 2050. The cost to the community and government health systems, as well as the stress on families and carers is incalculable. Over three decades of research into this disease have been undertaken by several research groups in Australia, including work by our original research group in Western Australia which was involved in the discovery and sequencing of the amyloid-β peptide (also known as Aβ or A4 peptide) extracted from cerebral amyloid plaques. This review discusses the journey from the discovery of the Aβ peptide in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain to the establishment of pre-clinical AD using PET amyloid tracers, a method now serving as the gold standard for developing peripheral diagnostic approaches in the blood and the eye. The latter developments for early diagnosis have been largely achieved through the establishment of the Australian Imaging Biomarker and Lifestyle research group that has followed 1,100 Australians for 11 years. AIBL has also been instrumental in providing insight into the role of the major genetic risk factor apolipoprotein E ɛ4, as well as better understanding the role of lifestyle factors particularly diet, physical activity and sleep to cognitive decline and the accumulation of cerebral Aβ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ralph N. Martins
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Perth WA, Australia
- KaRa Institute of Neurological Diseases, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - Victor Villemagne
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Centre for PET, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Hamid R. Sohrabi
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Perth WA, Australia
- KaRa Institute of Neurological Diseases, Sydney NSW, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Pratishtha Chatterjee
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- KaRa Institute of Neurological Diseases, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - Tejal M. Shah
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Verdile
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University of Technology, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Paul Fraser
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kevin Taddei
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Veer B. Gupta
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Eugene Hone
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Steve Pedrini
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Wei Ling Lim
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Ian Martins
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Shaun Frost
- CSIRO Australian e-Health Research Centre/Health and Biosecurity, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Sunil Gupta
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- KaRa Institute of Neurological Diseases, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - Sid O’Bryant
- University of North Texas Health Science Centre, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Alan Rembach
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - David Ames
- National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- University of Melbourne Academic Unit for Psychiatry of Old Age, St George’s Hospital, Kew, VIC, Australia
| | - Kathryn Ellis
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephanie J. Fuller
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Belinda Brown
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Samantha L. Gardener
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Binosha Fernando
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Prashant Bharadwaj
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Samantha Burnham
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- eHealth, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Simon M. Laws
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton, VIC, Australia
- Collaborative Genomics Group, Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Anna M. Barron
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Perth WA, Australia
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Kathryn Goozee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Perth WA, Australia
- KaRa Institute of Neurological Diseases, Sydney NSW, Australia
- Anglicare, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Eka J. Wahjoepramono
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Prita R. Asih
- KaRa Institute of Neurological Diseases, Sydney NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - James D. Doecke
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Australian E-Health Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Olivier Salvado
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Australian E-Health Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ashley I. Bush
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher C. Rowe
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Centre for PET, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Samuel E. Gandy
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Colin L. Masters
- Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Atwood CS, Hayashi K, Meethal SV, Gonzales T, Bowen RL. Does the degree of endocrine dyscrasia post-reproduction dictate post-reproductive lifespan? Lessons from semelparous and iteroparous species. GeroScience 2017; 39:103-116. [PMID: 28271270 PMCID: PMC5352586 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-016-9955-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-reproductive lifespan varies greatly among species; human post-reproductive lifespan comprises ~30-50% of their total longevity, while semelparous salmon and dasyurid marsupials post-reproductive lifespan comprises <4% of their total longevity. To examine if the magnitude of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis dyscrasia at the time of reproductive senescence determines post-reproductive lifespan, we examined the difference between pre- and post-reproductive (1) circulating sex hormones and (2) the ratio of sex steroids to gonadotropins (e.g., 17β-estradiol/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)), an index of the dysregulation of the HPG axis and the level of dyotic (death) signaling post-reproduction. Animals with a shorter post-reproductive lifespan (<4% total longevity) had a more marked decline in circulating sex steroids and corresponding elevation in gonadotropins compared to animals with a longer post-reproductive lifespan (30-60% total longevity). In semelparous female salmon of short post-reproductive lifespan (1%), these divergent changes in circulating hormone concentration post-reproduction equated to a 711-fold decrease in the ratio of 17β-estradiol/FSH between the reproductive and post-reproductive periods. In contrast, the decrease in the ratio of 17β-estradiol/FSH in iteroparous female mammals with long post-reproductive lifespan was significantly less (1.7-34-fold) post-reproduction. Likewise, in male semelparous salmon, the decrease in the ratio of testosterone/FSH (82-fold) was considerably larger than for iteroparous species (1.3-11-fold). These results suggest that (1) organisms with greater reproductive endocrine dyscrasia more rapidly undergo senescence and die, and (2) the contribution post-reproduction by non-gonadal (and perhaps gonadal) tissues to circulating sex hormones dictates post-reproductive tissue health and longevity. In this way, reproduction and longevity are coupled, with the degree of non-gonadal tissue hormone production dictating the rate of somatic tissue demise post-reproduction and the differences in post-reproductive lifespans between species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Craig S Atwood
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, William S. Middleton Memorial VA (GRECC 11G), 2500 Overlook Terrace, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
- School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia.
| | - Kentaro Hayashi
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, William S. Middleton Memorial VA (GRECC 11G), 2500 Overlook Terrace, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Sivan Vadakkadath Meethal
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, William S. Middleton Memorial VA (GRECC 11G), 2500 Overlook Terrace, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Tina Gonzales
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, William S. Middleton Memorial VA (GRECC 11G), 2500 Overlook Terrace, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Richard L Bowen
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fedotova J, Dudnichenko T, Kruzliak P, Puchavskaya Z. Different effects of vitamin D hormone treatment on depression-like behavior in the adult ovariectomized female rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 84:1865-1872. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.10.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
|
17
|
Fedotova J, Soultanov V, Nikitina T, Roschin V, Ordyan N, Hritcu L. Ropren® treatment reverses anxiety-like behavior and monoamines levels in gonadectomized rat model of Alzheimer’s disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 83:1444-1455. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.08.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
|
18
|
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is a slow progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects more elderly women than elderly men. It impairs memory, typically progresses into multidomain cognitive decline that destroys the quality of life, and ultimately leads to death. About 5.3 million older Americans are now living with this disease, and this number is projected to rise to 14 million by 2050. Annual health-care costs in the United States alone are projected to increase to about US$1.1 trillion by 2050. The initial theory that decreasing estrogen levels leads to AD development in postmenopausal women has been proven inconclusive. For example, Women's Health Research Initiative Memory Study and the population-based nested case-control study have failed to demonstrate that estrogen/progesterone (hormone replacement therapy [HRT]) or estrogen replacement therapy could prevent the cognitive decline or reduce the risk of AD. This led to the realization that AD development could be due to a progressive increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in postmenopausal women. Accordingly, a large number of studies have demonstrated that an increase in LH levels is positively correlated with neuropathological, behavioral, and cognitive changes in AD. In addition, LH has been shown to promote amyloidogenic pathway of precursor protein metabolism and deposition of amyloid β plaques in the hippocampus, a region involved in AD. Cognate receptors that mediate LH effects are abundantly expressed in the hippocampus. Reducing the LH levels by treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists could provide therapeutic benefits. Despite these advances, many questions remain and require further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C V Rao
- 1 Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Reproduction and Development Program, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,2 Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Reproduction and Development Program, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproduction and Development Program, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Atwood CS, Bowen RL. A Unified Hypothesis of Early- and Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 47:33-47. [PMID: 26402752 DOI: 10.3233/jad-143210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease (EOFAD) and late-onset sporadic AD (LOSAD) both follow a similar pathological and biochemical course that includes: neuron and synapse loss and dysfunction, microvascular damage, microgliosis, extracellular amyloid-β deposition, tau phosphorylation, formation of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, endoreduplication and related cell cycle events in affected brain regions. Any mechanistic explanation of AD must accommodate these biochemical and neuropathological features for both forms of the disease. In this insight paper we provide a unifying hypothesis for EOFAD and LOSAD that proposes that the aberrant re-entry of terminally differentiated, post-mitotic neurons into the cell division cycle is a common pathway that explains both early and late-onset forms of AD. Cell cycle abnormalities appear very early in the disease process, prior to the appearance of plaques and tangles, and explain the biochemical (e.g. tau phosphorylation), neuropathological (e.g. neuron hypertrophy; polypoidy) and cognitive changes observed in EOFAD and LOSAD. Genetic mutations in AβPP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 that alter amyloid-β precursor protein and Notch processing drive reactivation of the cell cycle in EOFAD, while age-related reproductive endocrine dyscrasia that upregulates mitogenic TNF signaling and AβPP processing toward the amyloidogenic pathway drives reactivation of the cell cycle in LOSAD. In essence, AβPP and presenilin mutations initiate early, what endocrine dyscrasia initiates later: aberrant cell cycle re-entry of post-mitotic neurons leading to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in AD. Inhibition of cell cycle re-entry in post-mitotic neurons may be a useful therapeutic strategy to prevent, slow or halt disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Craig S Atwood
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.,Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, WI, USA.,School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Blair JA, Palm R, Chang J, McGee H, Zhu X, Wang X, Casadesus G. Luteinizing hormone downregulation but not estrogen replacement improves ovariectomy-associated cognition and spine density loss independently of treatment onset timing. Horm Behav 2016; 78:60-6. [PMID: 26497249 PMCID: PMC4718885 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Age-related changes in reproductive hormone levels are a well-known risk factor for the development of cognitive dysfunction and dementia in women. We and others have shown an important contribution of gonadotropins in this process. Lowering serum gonadotropin levels is able to rescue cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease and menopause models, but whether this is time-dependent and the exact mechanism through which gonadotropins regulate cognitive function is unknown. We show that pharmacologically lowering serum levels of luteinizing hormone lead to cognitive improvement immediately after ovariectomy and with a 4month interval after ovariectomy, when the benefits of 17β-estradiol are known to disappear in rodents. Importantly, we show that these improvements are associated with spine density changes at both time points. These findings suggest a role of luteinizing hormone in learning and memory and neuroplasticity processes as well as provide an alternative therapeutic strategy of menopause associated cognitive loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Blair
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Russell Palm
- College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Jaewon Chang
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Henry McGee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Xiongwei Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Xinglong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Gemma Casadesus
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Atwood CS, Bowen RL. The endocrine dyscrasia that accompanies menopause and andropause induces aberrant cell cycle signaling that triggers re-entry of post-mitotic neurons into the cell cycle, neurodysfunction, neurodegeneration and cognitive disease. Horm Behav 2015; 76:63-80. [PMID: 26188949 PMCID: PMC4807861 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "SBN 2014". Sex hormones are physiological factors that promote neurogenesis during embryonic and fetal development. During childhood and adulthood these hormones support the maintenance of brain structure and function via neurogenesis and the formation of dendritic spines, axons and synapses required for the capture, processing and retrieval of information (memories). Not surprisingly, changes in these reproductive hormones that occur with menopause and during andropause are strongly correlated with neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. In this connection, much evidence now indicates that Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves aberrant re-entry of post-mitotic neurons into the cell cycle. Cell cycle abnormalities appear very early in the disease, prior to the appearance of plaques and tangles, and explain the biochemical, neuropathological and cognitive changes observed with disease progression. Intriguingly, a recent animal study has demonstrated that induction of adult neurogenesis results in the loss of previously encoded memories while decreasing neurogenesis after memory formation during infancy mitigated forgetting. Here we review the biochemical, epidemiological and clinical evidence that alterations in sex hormone signaling associated with menopause and andropause drive the aberrant re-entry of post-mitotic neurons into an abortive cell cycle that leads to neurite retraction, neuron dysfunction and neuron death. When the reproductive axis is in balance, gonadotropins such as luteinizing hormone (LH), and its fetal homolog, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), promote pluripotent human and totipotent murine embryonic stem cell and neuron proliferation. However, strong evidence supports menopausal/andropausal elevations in the LH:sex steroid ratio as driving aberrant mitotic events. These include the upregulation of tumor necrosis factor; amyloid-β precursor protein processing towards the production of mitogenic Aβ; and the activation of Cdk5, a key regulator of cell cycle progression and tau phosphorylation (a cardinal feature of both neurogenesis and neurodegeneration). Cognitive and biochemical studies confirm the negative consequences of a high LH:sex steroid ratio on dendritic spine density and human cognitive performance. Prospective epidemiological and clinical evidence in humans supports the premise that rebalancing the ratio of circulating gonadotropins:sex steroids reduces the incidence of AD. Together, these data support endocrine dyscrasia and the subsequent loss of cell cycle control as an important etiological event in the development of neurodegenerative diseases including AD, stroke and Parkinson's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Craig S Atwood
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, WI 53705, USA; School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, 6027 WA, Australia.
| | - Richard L Bowen
- OTB Research, 217 Calhoun St, Unit 1, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Burnham VL, Thornton JE. Luteinizing hormone as a key player in the cognitive decline of Alzheimer's disease. Horm Behav 2015; 76:48-56. [PMID: 26031357 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 05/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "SBN 2014". Alzheimer's disease is one of the most prevalent and costly neurological diseases in the world. Although decades of research have focused on understanding Alzheimer's disease pathology and progression, there is still a great lack of clinical treatments for those who suffer from it. One of the factors most commonly associated with the onset of Alzheimer's disease is a decrease in levels of gonadal hormones, such as estrogens and androgens. Despite the correlational and experimental data which support the role of these hormones in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease, clinical trials involving their reintroduction through hormone therapy have had varied results and these gonadal hormones often have accompanying health risks. More recently, investigation has turned toward other hormones in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis that are disrupted by age-related decreases in gonadal hormones. Specifically, luteinizing hormone, which is increased with age in both men and women (in response to removal of negative feedback), has surfaced as a potentially powerful player in the risk and onset of Alzheimer's disease. Mounting evidence in basic research and epidemiological studies supports the role of elevated luteinizing hormone in exacerbating age-related cognitive decline in both males and females. This review summarizes the recent developments involving luteinizing hormone in increasing the cognitive deficits and molecular pathology characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica L Burnham
- Department of Neuroscience, Oberlin College, 119 Woodland St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
| | - Janice E Thornton
- Department of Neuroscience, Oberlin College, 119 Woodland St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Verdile G, Asih PR, Barron AM, Wahjoepramono EJ, Ittner LM, Martins RN. The impact of luteinizing hormone and testosterone on beta amyloid (Aβ) accumulation: Animal and human clinical studies. Horm Behav 2015; 76:81-90. [PMID: 26122291 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "SBN 2014". Hormonal changes associated with ageing have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia. Reductions in serum testosterone and increases in luteinizing hormone (LH) are established AD risk factors for dementia in men and have important roles in modulating AD pathogenesis. One of the defining features of AD is the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) in the brain, which has a key role in the neurodegenerative cascade. Both testosterone and LH have been shown to modulate CNS Aβ accumulation in animal studies, and associations with cerebral amyloid load in human studies have supported this. The underlying mechanisms by which these hormones modulate Aβ accumulation and contribute to neurodegeneration are not completely understood, however they have been shown to regulate Aβ metabolism, enhance its clearance and alter the processing of its parent molecule, the amyloid precursor protein. This review will discuss underlying mechanisms by which testosterone and LH modulate Aβ and provide an update on therapeutic approaches targeting these hormones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Verdile
- School of Biomedical Sciences, CHIRI Biosciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia; Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research and Care, School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia; Sir James McCusker Alzheimer's disease Research Unit, School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia.
| | - Prita R Asih
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research and Care, School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia; Dementia Research Unit, Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of NSW, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Anna M Barron
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Chiba-shi, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Eka J Wahjoepramono
- Sir James McCusker Alzheimer's disease Research Unit, School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia; Medical Faculty, Pelita Harapan University - Neuroscience Centre, Siloam Hospital, Lippo Karawaci, Tangerang, Indonesia
| | - Lars M Ittner
- Dementia Research Unit, Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of NSW, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW 2036, Australia
| | - Ralph N Martins
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research and Care, School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia; Sir James McCusker Alzheimer's disease Research Unit, School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, CHIRI Biosciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wojsiat J, Prandelli C, Laskowska-Kaszub K, Martín-Requero A, Wojda U. Oxidative Stress and Aberrant Cell Cycle in Alzheimer’s Disease Lymphocytes: Diagnostic Prospects. J Alzheimers Dis 2015; 46:329-50. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-141977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Wojsiat
- Laboratory of Preclinical Studies of Higher Standard, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Chiara Prandelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Katarzyna Laskowska-Kaszub
- Laboratory of Preclinical Studies of Higher Standard, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Angeles Martín-Requero
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain
| | - Urszula Wojda
- Laboratory of Preclinical Studies of Higher Standard, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Seidl JNT, Massman PJ. Relationships between testosterone levels and cognition in patients with Alzheimer disease and nondemented elderly men. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2015; 28:27-39. [PMID: 25009157 DOI: 10.1177/0891988714541872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Previous research suggests that low levels of testosterone may be associated with the development of Alzheimer disease (AD), as well as poorer performance on certain neuropsychological tests and increased risk of depression. METHODS This study utilized data from 61 nondemented older men and 68 men with probable AD. RESULTS Testosterone levels did not differ between the groups. Regression analyses in men with AD revealed that testosterone levels did not significantly predict performance on neuropsychological tests or a measure of depression. Among controls, testosterone levels predicted estimated premorbid verbal IQ and performance on a verbal fluency test. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that testosterone is not associated with most neuropsychological test performances in patients with AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul J Massman
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA Department of Neurology, Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Verdile G, Laws SM, Henley D, Ames D, Bush AI, Ellis KA, Faux NG, Gupta VB, Li QX, Masters CL, Pike KE, Rowe CC, Szoeke C, Taddei K, Villemagne VL, Martins RN. Associations between gonadotropins, testosterone and β amyloid in men at risk of Alzheimer's disease. Mol Psychiatry 2014; 19:69-75. [PMID: 23089633 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2012.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Revised: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone and gonadotropins have been associated with cognitive decline in men and the modulation of β amyloid (Aβ) metabolism. The relatively few studies that have investigated whether changes in one or a combination of these hormones influence Aβ levels have focused primarily on plasma Aβ(1-40) and not on the more pathogenic Aβ(1-42). Currently, no study has investigated whether these hormones are associated with an increase in brain amyloid deposition, ante mortem. Through the highly characterised Australian imaging, biomarkers and lifestyle study, we have determined the impact of these hormones on plasma Aβ levels and brain amyloid burden (Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) retention). Spearman's rank correlation and linear regression analysis was carried out across the cohort and within subclassifications. Luteinizing hormone (LH) was the only variable shown, in the total cohort, to have a significant impact on plasma Aβ(1-40) and Aβ(1-42) levels (beta=0.163, P<0.001; beta=0.446, P<0.001). This held in subjective memory complainers (SMC) (Aβ(1-40); beta=0.208, P=0.017; Aβ(1-42); beta=0.215, P=0.017) but was absent in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) groups. In SMC, increased frequency of the APOE-ɛ4 allele (beta=0.536, P<0.001) and increasing serum LH levels (beta=0.421, P=0.004) had a significant impact on PiB retention. Whereas in MCI, PiB retention was associated with increased APOE-ɛ4 allele copy number (beta=0.674, P<0.001) and decreasing calculated free testosterone (beta=-0.303, P=0.043). These findings suggest a potential progressive involvement of LH and testosterone in the early preclinical stages of AD. Furthermore, these hormones should be considered while attempting to predict AD at these earliest stages of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Verdile
- 1] Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research & Care, School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia [2] Sir James McCusker Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit (Hollywood Private Hospital), Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - S M Laws
- 1] Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research & Care, School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia [2] Sir James McCusker Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit (Hollywood Private Hospital), Perth, Western Australia, Australia [3] Co-operative Research Centre for Mental Health, http://www.mentalhealthcrc.com
| | - D Henley
- 1] Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia [2] School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - D Ames
- 1] Academic Unit for Psychiatry of Old Age, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Aged Psychiatry Service, St George's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia [2] National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - A I Bush
- 1] Co-operative Research Centre for Mental Health, http://www.mentalhealthcrc.com [2] Mental Health Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia [3] Centre for Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - K A Ellis
- 1] Academic Unit for Psychiatry of Old Age, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Aged Psychiatry Service, St George's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia [2] National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia [3] Mental Health Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - N G Faux
- 1] Mental Health Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia [2] Centre for Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - V B Gupta
- 1] Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research & Care, School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia [2] Sir James McCusker Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit (Hollywood Private Hospital), Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Q-X Li
- 1] Mental Health Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia [2] Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - C L Masters
- 1] Co-operative Research Centre for Mental Health, http://www.mentalhealthcrc.com [2] Mental Health Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia [3] Centre for Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - K E Pike
- 1] Mental Health Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia [2] Centre for Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia [3] Department of Nuclear Medicine & Centre for PET, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia [4] School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria Australia
| | - C C Rowe
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & Centre for PET, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - C Szoeke
- 1] National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia [2] CSIRO, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - K Taddei
- 1] Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research & Care, School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia [2] Sir James McCusker Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit (Hollywood Private Hospital), Perth, Western Australia, Australia [3] Co-operative Research Centre for Mental Health, http://www.mentalhealthcrc.com
| | - V L Villemagne
- 1] Mental Health Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia [2] Department of Nuclear Medicine & Centre for PET, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - R N Martins
- 1] Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research & Care, School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia [2] Sir James McCusker Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit (Hollywood Private Hospital), Perth, Western Australia, Australia [3] Co-operative Research Centre for Mental Health, http://www.mentalhealthcrc.com
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Low testosterone and the risk of dementia in elderly men: Impact of age and education. Alzheimers Dement 2013; 10:S306-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2013.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Revised: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
28
|
Milton NGN, Chilumuri A, Rocha-Ferreira E, Nercessian AN, Ashioti M. Kisspeptin prevention of amyloid-β peptide neurotoxicity in vitro. ACS Chem Neurosci 2012; 3:706-19. [PMID: 23019497 DOI: 10.1021/cn300045d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) onset is associated with changes in hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) function. The 54 amino acid kisspeptin (KP) peptide regulates the HPG axis and alters antioxidant enzyme expression. The Alzheimer's amyloid-β (Aβ) is neurotoxic, and this action can be prevented by the antioxidant enzyme catalase. Here, we examined the effects of KP peptides on the neurotoxicity of Aβ, prion protein (PrP), and amylin (IAPP) peptides. The Aβ, PrP, and IAPP peptides stimulated the release of KP and KP 45-54. The KP peptides inhibited the neurotoxicity of Aβ, PrP, and IAPP peptides, via an action that could not be blocked by kisspeptin-receptor (GPR-54) or neuropeptide FF (NPFF) receptor antagonists. Knockdown of KiSS-1 gene, which encodes the KP peptides, in human neuronal SH-SY5Y cells with siRNA enhanced the toxicity of amyloid peptides, while KiSS-1 overexpression was neuroprotective. A comparison of the catalase and KP sequences identified a similarity between KP residues 42-51 and the region of catalase that binds Aβ. The KP peptides containing residues 45-50 bound Aβ, PrP, and IAPP, inhibited Congo red binding, and were neuroprotective. These results suggest that KP peptides are neuroprotective against Aβ, IAPP, and PrP peptides via a receptor independent action involving direct binding to the amyloid peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel G. N. Milton
- Department of Human and Health
Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6UW, U.K
- Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Roehampton, Holybourne Avenue, London
SW15 4JD, U.K
| | - Amrutha Chilumuri
- Department of Human and Health
Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6UW, U.K
| | - Eridan Rocha-Ferreira
- Department of Human and Health
Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6UW, U.K
| | - Amanda N. Nercessian
- Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Roehampton, Holybourne Avenue, London
SW15 4JD, U.K
| | - Maria Ashioti
- Department of Human and Health
Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6UW, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Testosterone levels and cognition in elderly men: a review. Maturitas 2011; 69:322-37. [PMID: 21696899 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2011.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 05/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Average testosterone levels and many cognitive functions show a decline with age. There is evidence to suggest that this association is not just age related. Results from cell culture and animal studies provide convincing evidence that testosterone could have protective effects on brain function. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterised by brain pathology affecting cognitive function and AD prevalence increases with age. Testosterone levels are lower in AD cases compared to controls, and some studies have suggested that low free testosterone (FT) may precede AD onset. Men with AD may show accelerated endocrinological ageing, characterised by an earlier lowering of thyroid stimulating hormone, an earlier increase in sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), a subsequent earlier decrease in FT and an earlier increase in gonadotropin levels in response to this. Positive associations have been found between testosterone levels and global cognition, memory, executive functions and spatial performance in observational studies. However, non-significant associations were also reported. It may be that an optimal level of testosterone exists at which some cognitive functions are improved. This may be modified with an older age, with a shifting of the optimal testosterone curve to maintain cognition to the left and a lower optimal level thus needed to be beneficial for the brain. Genetic factors, such as APOE and CAG polymorphisms may further interact with testosterone levels in their effects on cognition. The roles of SHBG, gonadotropins, thyroid hormones and estrogens in maintaining cognitive function and preventing dementia in men are also not completely understood and should be investigated further. Hypogonadal men do not seem to benefit from testosterone supplementation but small scale, short term intervention studies in eugonadal men with and without cognitive impairments have shown promising results. Larger randomised, controlled trials are needed to further investigate testosterone treatment in protecting against cognitive decline and/or dementia.
Collapse
|
30
|
Wahjoepramono EJ, Wijaya LK, Taddei K, Bates KA, Howard M, Martins G, deRuyck K, Matthews PM, Verdile G, Martins RN. Direct exposure of guinea pig CNS to human luteinizing hormone increases cerebrospinal fluid and cerebral beta amyloid levels. Neuroendocrinology 2011; 94:313-22. [PMID: 21985789 DOI: 10.1159/000330812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Luteinizing hormone (LH) has been shown to alter the metabolism of beta amyloid (Aβ), a key protein in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. While LH and components required for LH receptor signalling are present in the brain, their role in the CNS remains unclear. In vitro, LH has been shown to facilitate neurosteroid production and alter Aβ metabolism. However, whether LH can directly modulate cerebral Aβ levels in vivo has not previously been studied. In this study, we investigated the effect of chronic administration of LH to the guinea pig CNS on cerebral Aβ levels. METHODS Gonadectomised male animals were administered, via cortical placement, either placebo or LH slow-release pellets. At 14 and 28 days after treatment, animals were sacrificed. Brain, plasma and CSF were collected and Aβ levels measured via ELISA. Levels of the Aβ precursor protein (APP) and the neurosteroidogenic enzyme cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) were also assayed. RESULTS An increase in CSF Aβ40 levels was observed 28 days following treatment. These CSF data also reflected changes in Aβ40 levels observed in brain homogenates. No change was observed in plasma Aβ40 levels but APP and its C-terminal fragments (APP-CTF) were significantly increased in response to LH exposure. Protein expression of P450scc was increased after 28 days of LH exposure, suggesting activation of the LH receptor. CONCLUSION These data indicate that direct exposure of guinea pig CNS to LH results in altered brain Aβ levels, perhaps due to altered APP expression/metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eka J Wahjoepramono
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research and Care, School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Atwood CS, Bowen RL. The reproductive-cell cycle theory of aging: an update. Exp Gerontol 2010; 46:100-7. [PMID: 20851172 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2010.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2010] [Revised: 09/06/2010] [Accepted: 09/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The Reproductive-Cell Cycle Theory posits that the hormones that regulate reproduction act in an antagonistic pleiotrophic manner to control aging via cell cycle signaling; promoting growth and development early in life in order to achieve reproduction, but later in life, in a futile attempt to maintain reproduction, become dysregulated and drive senescence. Since reproduction is the most important function of an organism from the perspective of the survival of the species, if reproductive-cell cycle signaling factors determine the rate of growth, determine the rate of development, determine the rate of reproduction, and determine the rate of senescence, then by definition they determine the rate of aging and thus lifespan. The theory is able to explain: 1) the simultaneous regulation of the rate of aging and reproduction as evidenced by the fact that environmental conditions and experimental interventions known to extend longevity are associated with decreased reproductive-cell cycle signaling factors, thereby slowing aging and preserving fertility in a hostile reproductive environment; 2) two phenomena that are closely related to species lifespan-the rate of growth and development and the ultimate size of the animal; 3). the apparent paradox that size is directly proportional to lifespan and inversely proportional to fertility between species but vice versa within a species; 4). how differing rates of reproduction between species is associated with differences in their lifespan; 5). why we develop aging-related diseases; and 6). an evolutionarily credible reason for why and how aging occurs-these hormones act in an antagonistic pleiotrophic manner via cell cycle signaling; promoting growth and development early in life in order to achieve reproduction, but later in life, in a futile attempt to maintain reproduction, become dysregulated and drive senescence (dyosis). In essence, the Reproductive-Cell Cycle Theory can explain aging in all sexually reproductive life forms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Craig S Atwood
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Hospital and Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Genetic ablation of luteinizing hormone receptor improves the amyloid pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer disease. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2010; 69:253-61. [PMID: 20142765 DOI: 10.1097/nen.0b013e3181d072cf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) plays an essential pathophysiologic role in Alzheimer disease, and elevation of luteinizing hormone (LH) levels during aging has been implicated in its pathogenesis. To assess the effect of LH receptor deficiency on Abeta accumulation, we generated a bigenic mouse model, APPsw(+)/Lhr(-/-), which expresses human amyloid precursor protein (APPsw) in the background of LH receptor (Lhr) knockout. Genetic ablation of Lhr resulted in a significant decrease in the number of Abeta plaques and protein content in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex in both male and female mice. Accordingly, several Abeta deposition-related neuropathologic features and functionally relevant molecules were markedly improved, including decreased astrogliosis, reductions of elevated phosphorylated tau, c-fos, alpha7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, and restoration of the altered neuropeptide Y receptors Y1 and Y2. Diminution of Abeta accumulation in the absence of LH receptor supports the contention that dysregulation of LH may impact the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. The APPsw(+)/Lhr(-/-) mouse may be a useful tool for advancing understanding of the role of LH-mediated events in Alzheimer disease and a model in which to test therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
|
33
|
Bryan KJ, Mudd JC, Richardson SL, Chang J, Lee HG, Zhu X, Smith MA, Casadesus G. Down-regulation of serum gonadotropins is as effective as estrogen replacement at improving menopause-associated cognitive deficits. J Neurochem 2009; 112:870-81. [PMID: 19943850 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06502.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Declining levels of estrogen in women result in increases in gonadotropins such as luteinizing hormone (LH) through loss of feedback inhibition. LH, like estrogen, is modulated by hormone replacement therapy. However, the role of post-menopausal gonadotropin increases on cognition has not been evaluated. Here, we demonstrate that the down-regulation of ovariectomy-driven LH elevations using the gonadotropin releasing hormone super-analogue, leuprolide acetate, improves cognitive function in the Morris water maze and Y-maze tests in the absence of E2. Furthermore, our data suggest that these effects are independent of the modulation of estrogen receptors alpha and beta, or activation of CYP19 and StAR, associated with the production of endogenous E2. Importantly, pathways associated with improved cognition such as CaMKII and GluR1-Ser831 are up-regulated by leuprolide treatment but not by chronic long-term E2 replacement suggesting independent cognition-modulating properties. Our findings suggest that down-regulation of gonadotropins is as effective as E2 in modulating cognition but likely acts through different molecular mechanisms. These findings provide a potential novel protective strategy to treat menopause/age-related cognitive decline and/or prevent the development of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J Bryan
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Current world literature. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2009; 16:260-77. [PMID: 19390324 DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e32832c937e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
35
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To discuss the relationship between androgens, cognition and Alzheimer's disease. RECENT FINDINGS It has been found that low circulating levels of androgens are a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Decreased circulating androgens are also associated with declining cognitive performance, particularly in memory-related tasks. Conversely, androgen supplementation to hypogonadal men results in improved memory performance. It has therefore been hypothesized that androgen supplementation may be beneficial in Alzheimer's disease. In recent studies, animal models have been used to elucidate the molecular mechanism behind this relationship between androgens and Alzheimer's disease. These studies have shown that androgen depletion results in increased levels of beta amyloid and hyperphosphorylated tau, changes which are thought to be associated with subsequent neuronal death. SUMMARY Androgen depletion results in molecular changes associated with Alzheimer's disease. Further human trials are needed to determine whether androgen modulating therapy for Alzheimer's disease has clinical significance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor S Drummond
- School of Anatomy and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|